CN106043965B

CN106043965B - Storage container and use thereof

Info

Publication number: CN106043965B
Application number: CN201610206566.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李爀熙; 乌特·施泰因费尔德; 金正泰; 霍尔格·克劳斯
Original assignee: F Holtz Co Ltd; Kester European Research Association
Current assignee: F Holtz Co Ltd; Kester European Research Association
Priority date: 2009-05-15
Filing date: 2010-05-14
Publication date: 2020-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-14
Also published as: JP2010265036A; KR20100123642A; MX2010005227A; AU2010201824A1; US20100287891A1; EP2251093B1; DK2251093T3; PT2251093T; CN106043965A; CN101885408A; KR101668331B1; AU2010201824B2; DE102009021501B4; EP2251093A1; CA2703408A1; CY1120910T1; RU2521997C2; JP5631052B2; CA2703408C; US8550300B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage container for liquids or for viscous or sprayable products, which can be connected to a metering device, wherein the storage container is of cylindrical design and has a base with a pressure equalization device and an opposite open side, wherein the open side comprises a connecting region, and an inner bag which can be collapsed by suction is arranged in the storage container.

Description

Storage container and use thereof

The present application is a divisional application of the original application having an application date of 2010, 5/14, and an application number of 201010175314.7, and an invention name of "storage container and use thereof".

Technical Field

The invention relates to a storage container for a liquid, viscous or sprayable product and to the use of the storage container.

Background

Spraying devices are known, for example in the field of daily necessities or food and for medical applications. DE 19938798a1 describes a dispenser with a metering device. The reservoir of the spraying device is formed by a cylindrical container, in which a floating piston (fliegener Kolben) is arranged for controlling the extraction of the liquid.

Such floating pistons have the disadvantage that they can become stuck in the storage container and can thus also cause leaks, that the storage container cannot be completely emptied, and that the loss of liquid in the storage container can also result from the mentioned leaks.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a storage container which can be completely emptied and has a seal, and to indicate its use.

This object is achieved by the storage container according to the invention. The present invention indicates possible uses of the storage container. The invention also comprises other advantageous embodiments.

According to the invention, a storage container for liquids or for viscous or sprayable products is provided, which can be connected to a metering device, wherein the storage container is of cylindrical design and has a base with a pressure compensation device and an opposite open side, wherein the open side comprises a connecting region and an inner bag which can be collapsed by suction is arranged in the storage container.

The collapsible inner bag ensures that the liquid or viscous or sprayable product can be completely removed from the storage container. Furthermore, the inner bag has a further barrier (Barriere), which ensures a double protection of the liquid contained in the inner bag, since it is located in a storage container constructed in a cylindrical form. Such a storage container therefore has a better sealing than prior art storage containers.

The inner bladder of the storage container may be configured as a balloon. The balloon-like structure can be realized, for example, by a membrane balloon which is compressed and crumpled when emptied. The inner bladder may also be in an inflatable form similar to a balloon. For the embodiments, the material thickness of the inner bag is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 mm. This embodiment can utilize almost one hundred percent of the space of the storage container, which comprises different cylindrical embodiments. For example, a cylindrical shape with an oval base is also included here.

Furthermore, the inner bag can also be constructed with a bellows (faltenbag) which is collapsible in the axial direction. Such bellows are characterized by: the inner bag has at least one annular fold which assumes a predetermined position in which the inner bag collapses during emptying. In this regard, the balloons can be emptied orthotopically and orderly, enabling further emptying of the balloons compared to balloons without pre-folding. The bellows which is collapsible in the axial direction preferably has contact means on at least one fold and/or on the capsule bottom which contact the inner wall of the storage container. By means of an embodiment according to the invention, it is hereby achieved that the bellows is stable with respect to the wall, so that a viscous product or a "heavy" product with a high density can be emptied without fail. It has been shown that when the bellows contains a viscous product, the bellows does not retain sufficient stability leading to problems in emptying. This is avoided by this preferred embodiment of the bellows with contact means.

The contact device can be designed as an integral part of the bellows or as a separate component. For the first-mentioned embodiment, the contact means are composed of the same material as the bellows and can also be constructed directly at the same time during the manufacture of the bellows. For the second embodiment, the contact means are present as separate parts and the separate parts are connected with the tips of the pleats. The tip here preferably has corresponding means (for example a groove) for receiving the ring. Thus, the device is embodied such that only the ring contacts the inner surface of the container. In the simplest case, this can be achieved, for example, by an elastic rubber ring.

Furthermore, the invention includes embodiments in which the contact means are arranged on one pleat, a plurality of pleats or all pleats. The number of contact means on each pleat depends on the respective application. The invention also includes embodiments where the contact means is configured on the bottom of the bellows. Likewise, the contact means may be provided at the bottom of the bellows and on one or more or all of the pleats. As to the materials, essentially all materials that can be used to form the bellows can be used to construct the contact device. Hereinafter, the bellows material will be further described.

A further embodiment of the invention also provides that a spring is provided for additionally urging the bellows into movement, wherein the spring is arranged in the gap between the inner wall of the storage container and the outside of the bellows and/or on the other hand in the interior of the bag, in fact between the connecting region and the bottom of the bellows. A particularly preferred variation in the tension spring configuration is: the spring is a coil spring that is peripherally integrated into the pleats of the bellows. In this embodiment, the pleats of the bellows also have a helical configuration. The tension spring is thus completely or partially covered by the material of the bellows. In this embodiment it is particularly advantageous that during emptying of the bellows a quasi-uniform collapsing movement of the bellows and the tension spring takes place, which results in a very advantageous mechanical support of the bellows. Thus, a bellows with very thin walls can be used without the bellows becoming tangled or clogged during emptying, so that the mode of operation of the storage container is very reliable.

The bellows preferably has a bellows bottom on its underside facing the bottom of the storage container, which bellows bottom is constructed in a non-sealing manner with respect to the inside of the storage container. This ensures that a pressure equalization can be achieved in the gap between the bellows and the storage container and in the space between the bottom of the bellows and the bottom of the storage container.

In a further variant, the bellows has a bellows bottom on its underside facing the bottom of the storage container, which bellows bottom is configured as a pulling piston (Schleppkolben) and is mounted so as to slide within the storage container, wherein the pulling piston has at least one air supply for equalizing the pressure. If further contact means are provided on the pulling piston, i.e. on the bellows bottom, the contact means preferably also have an air supply which enables air to be supplied to the interior of the bellows through the bellows bottom.

Furthermore, at least one further pressure compensation device can be provided in the connecting region of the storage container. It is thereby also ensured that no excessively high pressures occur in the gap, for example between the bellows and the storage container, which would impede the function of the storage container or the spraying process. Likewise, it is thereby also ensured that no excessively high pressures are generated in the gap between at least two adjacent contact means or between a contact means and the bellows bottom/bottom or contact region.

The material thickness of the bellows is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. This ensures optimum stability of the bellows and outstanding tightness. The bellows has a plurality of folds which are realized by pre-creasing the material. The bellows is folded at the pre-crimp. This enables the bellows to fold, for example, like an accordion. Such a structure enables complete removal of liquid. Since the bellows can be constructed very thin in terms of material thickness (for example, a material thickness of 0.1 to 0.25mm), material is saved.

The material of the inner bag, preferably the material of the bellows, is preferably selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics, elastomers, silicones, thermoplastic elastomers and mixtures thereof, for example low density polyethylene as thermoplastic. The material should have a license for the purpose of use, such as is permissible in the medical or commodity field. For example, consideration may also be given here

Thermoplastic elastomers are plastic materials which at room temperature are comparable to standard elastomers, but which are capable of plastic deformation under heat and thus exhibit thermoplastic properties. The method comprises the following steps:

olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, mainly PP/EPDM, such as Santoprene (AES/Monsanto);

crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers based on olefins, mainly PP/EPDM, such as sarlink (dsm), forprene (softer);

polypropylene-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Desmopan, Texin, utechlan (Bayer);

thermoplastic copolyesters, such as hytrel (dupont);

styrene block copolymers (SBS, SEBS, SEPS, SEEPS and MBS), such as Septon (Kuraray) or thermoplastic K (Kraiburg TPE);

thermoplastic copolyamides, such as PEBA.

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the cylindrical storage container may have a friction reducing coating. This ensures that, for example, the trailing piston can slide optimally in the storage container due to low adhesion or friction. If necessary, the outer side of the traction piston and/or the contact means may also have a friction-reducing coating. Thereby additionally enhancing the above effect. The friction reducing coating preferably comprises or includes polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetherketone, polyesterimide, poly (organo) siloxane, graphite, glycerol.

Furthermore, the connecting region of the storage container can be formed by a snap-on, locking or screwing connection. Depending on the material used, the region for connecting or fastening the metering device to the storage container is preferably formed.

In a preferred embodiment of the storage container, the bottom can be constructed in one piece with the cylindrical container. This enables a simple and low-cost manufacture of the container. Furthermore, since no weld seams are present in this variant, particularly good sealing is ensured.

Alternatively, the base can be firmly connected to the cylindrical container, for example by clamping or screwing.

The bottom of the storage container may have at least one opening and/or at least one filtration matrix. Here, the filter substrate has the property of being permeable to air and impermeable to bacteria and mold. Thus ensuring complete sterility. Furthermore, the openings or the filter matrix ensure that too low or too high a pressure, which would limit the function of the device, cannot build up in the gap between the bellows and the storage container and the surroundings.

The filtration substrate is preferably an activated carbon filter, a nylon membrane or a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane. The activated carbon can absorb all substances, thereby protecting the inner space of the storage container. The activated carbon filter can also be inserted in a sandwich manner between two membranes.

Furthermore, a pressure spring can be provided between the bottom of the storage container and the bellows bottom or between the bottom of the storage container and the traction piston. This additionally improves the emptiability of the collapsible inner bag, in particular for viscous products.

Furthermore, support means for the bellows can be provided in the connecting region at the open side of the storage container. The support device is configured as a support surface for a collapsible bellows. The dimensions are designed accordingly.

Preferably, the storage container is configured as a cylinder. The storage container may be made of glass, metal (in particular aluminium or tinplate), plastics material (preferably polypropylene or polyethylene). In particular, since the materials most compatible with or most suitable for the provided purpose of use are selected according to the product to be sprayed, the stability of the storage container and its sealability can be ensured by these materials.

The use of the above-mentioned storage container is preferably for storing medical products, pharmaceutical products, cosmetic products, detergents, chemicals, food additives or liquid seasonings. The reservoir may be used to store eye drops and nasal spray formulations, preferably without preservatives. The storage container can be used for storing a product containing a single substance of a drug, a vitamin, a mineral, an enzyme, a coenzyme, a plant extract, a bacterium, a yeast, or a mixture of a plurality of these substances, preferably without a preservative.

It is conceivable here for the collapsible inner bag or the bellows to be replaced after complete emptying and for a new filled inner bag to be placed in the storage container, with a correspondingly configured connecting region. Refilling the inner capsule is also conceivable, in particular in the case of commodities, food products or cosmetics. Furthermore, this also allows for environmental protection, since the consumption of plastic or material is lower.

Drawings

The invention is described in more detail with reference to fig. 1 to 9, but is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein, in which:

fig. 1a shows a storage container according to the invention from below (without a bottom);

fig. 1b shows a spraying device in longitudinal section, in which the bellows according to the invention has bottom stability due to the so-called fingers and can be partially filled;

FIG. 1c shows a longitudinal section through the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, wherein the bellows is completely emptied;

FIG. 2a shows a longitudinal section through a spraying device, wherein the bottom of the bellows is connected to a pulling piston;

FIG. 2b shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a in a completely empty form;

fig. 3a shows a longitudinal section through a spraying device as shown in fig. 2a, wherein, however, a pressure spring and a filter matrix are arranged in the bottom of the storage container;

figure 3b shows a longitudinal section through the storage container shown in figure 3a in a fully empty state;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross-section of the attachment area of the spray device, wherein the inner wall and the drag piston have a friction reducing coating;

fig. 5a to 5c show an embodiment of a storage container with a contact device;

fig. 6a to 6g show different embodiments of the contact arrangement;

fig. 7 to 9 show an embodiment of a storage container which has not only a contact device but also a return spring.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a is a bottom view without a bottom of a cylindrical storage container 1 according to the invention. Here, the fingers 14 are arranged on the bellows bottom 13 of the bellows 9. The bellows 9 is located within the storage container 1.

Fig. 1b shows a longitudinal section through a spray device, wherein a pump head 3 is mounted on a storage container 1 according to the invention via a connection region 2. The storage container 1 according to the invention is connected to the metering device 3 by means of a snap-in connection 15 in the connection region 2, as is shown here by way of example for all exemplary embodiments. In the region of the storage container 1 facing the metering device 3, a support device 10 for the bellows 9 is provided. The bellows 9 has folds 11, said folds 11 enabling an optimal folding of the bellows 9. The pleats 11 of the bellows 9 have a symmetrical configuration, i.e. they exhibit a concentric annular curvature in the case of a cylindrical bellows 9, by means of which the bellows 9 is closed during emptying. Alternatively, a spiral-shaped annular corrugation (not shown) is also possible, which can also be referred to as an infinite corrugation of the spiral-shaped annulus. The described variations of the folds can also be used in the subsequently displayed views. The bellows bottom 13 facing the bottom 6 of the storage container 1 has fingers 14, wherein between the fingers 14 a gap is provided through which air can circulate unimpeded. The inside of the storage container 1 may have a friction reducing coating 5. In order that too low or too high a pressure does not occur between the storage container 1 and the bellows 9, air can be supplied from the outside through the opening 7 in the bottom 6 of the storage container 1. In this view, bellows 9 is almost completely filled with liquid.

Fig. 1c shows a longitudinal section through the embodiment shown in fig. 1b, wherein here the bellows 9 is completely emptied and thus directly adjoins the support means 10 located in the connecting region 2.

Fig. 2a shows a longitudinal section through a spray device, wherein here the bellows bottom 13 is configured as a drag piston 4, which drag piston 4 has an opening for air supply. The bellows 9 arranged in the storage container 1 has corrugations 11. The bottom 6 of the storage container 1 has an opening 7 for venting. The support device 10 is located in the connection region 2 between the metering device 3 and the storage container 1.

Fig. 2b shows in empty form a longitudinal section through the sprinkling apparatus shown in fig. 2 a. The bellows 9 is here completely folded with respect to the support means 10, which support means 10 are located in the connecting region 2 between the metering device 3 and the storage container 1. The bottom of the storage container 1 has two openings 7, through which openings 7 air can enter the storage container 1, which ensures both a pressure equalization within the storage container 1 and a pressure equalization with the environment.

Fig. 3a shows a longitudinal section through a spray device with maximum volume, wherein the bellows 9 is connected to the pulling piston 4. In this case, a pressure spring 8' is additionally arranged between the traction piston 4 and the bottom 6 of the cylindrical storage container 1. The bottom 6 of the storage container 1 has a filter matrix 12, which filter matrix 12 ensures the circulation of air. The inside of the storage container 1 can be covered by a friction-reducing coating 5. The bellows 9 has pleats 11, which pleats 11 cause the bellows 9 to fold like an accordion. In the connecting region 2 between the metering device 3 and the storage container 1, a support device 10 for the bellows 9 is provided.

Fig. 3b shows a longitudinal section through the spraying device shown in fig. 3a, in which the bellows 9 is completely emptied and is located on the support means 10. The support device 10 is located in the connecting region 2 between the storage container 1 and the metering device 3. Bellows 9 is connected to the traction piston 4. The pressure spring 8' is now relaxed as much as possible. The bottom 6 of the storage container 1 has a filter matrix 12, which filter matrix 12 enables air circulation with the environment. In order to move the traction piston 4 as frictionless as possible, the inner side of the storage container 1 is provided with a friction-reducing coating 5.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged section of the connection region 2 between the cylindrical storage container 1 according to the invention and the metering device 3. The traction piston 4 is here located directly on the support means 10. Both the traction piston 4 and the reservoir 1 are provided with a friction reducing coating 5.

Fig. 5a to 5c show an embodiment of a storage container according to the invention with one or more contact means 20. Depending on the direction of movement, the contact device 20 can ensure, for example, a reduced friction in the emptying direction and a positive action of the bellows or the trailing piston in the opposite direction. In this respect, the contact device may be configured as a spring back protection contact device. So that the contact means 20 generates an increased friction and/or static friction between the braking member 20 and the wall of the storage container 1. The contact means are thus dimensioned such that they form a seal in cooperation with the wall of the cylindrical storage container.

Figure 5a shows a storage container according to the invention with a contacting means 20 fixed on the bellows bottom 13. Here, the contact means 20 are connected over the entire surface with the bellows bottom 13 and form a seal in a form fitting peripherally with the wall of the cylindrical storage container 1.

The contact means 20 are here arranged directly on the bellows bottom 13 and are molded in the form of an open part in the direction of the bellows bottom 13.

Fig. 5b shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the contact means are provided on the outer surface of some of the corrugations 11 towards the wall of the storage container 1.

In this example, a contact means is provided on every other pleat 11. The contact means 20 is configured in the shape of a collar and is integrally moulded on the material of the bellows 9.

Fig. 5c shows a further alternative embodiment, in which each pleat 11 facing the wall of the cylindrical storage container 1 has a contact device 20.

Fig. 6a to 6g show different preferred embodiments of the contacting means. As shown in fig. 6a to 6g, in an example, the contact means, which are connected in one piece with both the pleats 11 of the bellows, can be constructed in different geometrical shapes. In essence, the geometry is chosen according to whether the contact means performs a sliding function or a braking function. Thus, the contact means may also be configured as a ball (fig. 6d), or as a horizontal component as shown in fig. 6 b. Embodiments in the form of ferrules as shown in fig. 6e and 6g are also possible. The invention also includes an embodiment as shown in fig. 6f, in which the contact means is constructed in two parts, that is to say, on the one hand, the contact means comprises a horizontal extension 31 integrally connected with the tip of the pleat 11 and, in addition, an annular part 32 which is in contact with the inner wall of the storage container 1.

With regard to the material composition, reference is made to the material of the bellows described above. The contact means 20 may of course also be provided additionally with a sliding layer.

Figure 7 shows another preferred embodiment of a storage container according to the invention with a contacting means constructed as shown in figure 5, which is arranged on the bellows bottom 13. Furthermore, the storage container 1 shown in fig. 7 comprises a tension spring 8, which urges emptying.

Fig. 8 shows a further alternative embodiment with a plurality of contact means 20 located outside the pleats 11. Furthermore, the tension spring 8 is located inside the bellows, i.e. between the connection area 2 and the bottom 13 of the bellows.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of the storage container in which the annular pleat 11 is matched to the geometry of the tension spring 8. The annular fold 11 thus has an annular contact means 20. In this case, the tension spring 8 extends through the fold 11. For example, the tension spring 8 can be added, e.g. embedded, when the bellows 9 is manufactured.

Claims

1. A storage container (1) for viscous or sprayable products, which storage container (1) can be connected to a metering device (3), characterized in that the storage container (1) is designed cylindrically and has a bottom (6) with pressure compensation means (7, 12) and an opposite open side, wherein the open side comprises a connecting region (2), and an inner bag which can be closed by suction is arranged in the storage container (1) and is formed by a bellows which can be closed in the axial direction, wherein contact means are arranged on at least one outer fold of the bellows, which contact means are in contact with the inner wall of the storage container, wherein the contact means (20) are designed as braking means, and wherein the storage container is not actuated by a pressure spring, so that no pressure spring is arranged between the bottom (6) and the bellows bottom (13) of the bellows, wherein a pump head is mounted to said connection region of said storage container and said bellows is not pressurized by spring force.

2. A storage container (1) for liquids, which storage container (1) can be connected to a metering device (3), characterized in that the storage container (1) is of cylindrical design and has a bottom (6) with pressure compensation means (7, 12) and an opposite open side, wherein the open side comprises a connecting region (2), and an inner bag which can be folded in by suction is arranged in the storage container (1) and is formed by a bellows which can be folded in the axial direction, wherein contact means are arranged on at least one outer bellows of the bellows, which contact means are in contact with the inner wall of the storage container, wherein the contact means (20) are designed as braking means, and wherein the storage container is not actuated by a pressure spring, so that no pressure spring is arranged between the bottom (6) and the bellows bottom (13) of the bellows, wherein a pump head is mounted to said connection region of said storage container and said bellows is not pressurized by spring force.

3. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact means (20) are constructed in one piece with the at least one fold (11).

4. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact device (20) is constructed as a separate component and is connected with the at least one pleat (11).

5. Storage container according to claim 4, characterized in that the contact means (20) comprise an elastic ring (32).

6. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a tension spring (8) is provided between the inner wall of the storage container (1) and the outside of the bellows (9).

7. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a tension spring (8) is provided in the interior of the bellows (9) between the connection region (2) and the bellows bottom (13).

8. Storage container according to claim 7, characterized in that the tension spring (8) is a helical spring which is fitted into the at least one pleat (11) in a circumferential manner.

9. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bellows (9) has a bellows bottom (13) on its underside facing the bottom (6) of the storage container (1),

a) the bellows bottom (13) is constructed in a non-sealing manner with respect to the inner side of the storage container (1), or

b) The bellows bottom (13) is designed as a trailing piston (4) and is mounted so as to slide in the interior of the storage container (1), wherein the trailing piston (4) has at least one air supply for equalizing the pressure.

10. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one further pressure equalization device is provided in the connection region (2) of the storage container (1).

11. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bottom (6) of the storage container (1) has at least one opening (7) and/or a filter matrix (12).

12. Storage container according to claim 9, characterized in that the inner surface of the cylindrical storage container (1) and/or the contact means (20) and/or the outer side of the pulling piston (4) has a friction reducing coating (5).

13. Storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the open side, in the connecting region (2) there are provided support means (10) for the bellows (9).

14. Use of a storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for storing a medical product, a pharmaceutical product, a cosmetic product, a detergent, a chemical agent, a food additive or a liquid seasoning.

15. Use according to claim 14, wherein the storage container (1) is used for storing eye drops and nasal spray formulations.

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein the ophthalmic and nasal spray formulations are free of preservatives.

17. Use according to claim 14, characterized in that the storage container (1) is used for storing a product comprising a single substance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, coenzymes, plant extracts, bacteria, yeasts or a mixture of several of these substances.

18. Use according to claim 17, wherein the preparation is free of preservatives.